Learning
Objectives
Upon successful
completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify
and discuss the various types and classifications of the most
commonly utilized respiratory medications.
- Identify
and explain the functions of the various types of equipment utilized
for delivery of medications in respiratory care.
- Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of aerosolized medications.
- Explain
the principles of humidification.
- Identify
complications and side effects of some of at least two of the
most common respiratory medications.
- Discuss
at least one of the clinical practice guidelines for choosing
and using equipment to deliver medications.
- Discuss
the process by which the FDA approves new drugs.
- Compare and
contrast Adrenergic Bronchodilators and Anticholinergic Bronchodilators.
- Explain
the role of Xanthines in respiratory care.
- Identify
and discuss the various types of corticosteroids used in respiratory
care.
Introduction
Pulmonary pharmacology
involves the therapeutic use of drugs that affect the lungs and
are delivered by a variety of modalities. RCPs need to have a general
knowledge of the drugs (agents) most commonly used to treat respiratory
problems, an in-depth knowledge of airway pharmacology and the equipment
utilized for delivery of the medications.
The care of
patients with pulmonary diseases involves utilizing a wide spectrum
of drugs to provide everything from emergency interventions for
acutely and critically ill persons, to administering maintenance
support for a relatively stable patient.
RCPs are primarily
involved in administering drugs that are specifically designed to
treat the so-called pathological triad of pulmonary disease: bronchospasm,
airway inflammation, and retained secretions. However, since the
respiratory system cannot be disassociated from cardiac and vascular
systems, respiratory care pharmacology necessarily involves a relatively
broad scope of drug classes.
The front line
arsenal for treating pulmonary diseases consists of bronchodilators,
antimuscarinics, corticosteroids, mucokinetics, mucolytics, and
decongestants. There are also a variety of other agents available
for treating pulmonary ailments, including oxygen, antibiotics,
local anesthetics, respiratory stimulants, and muscle relaxants.
Because of the inter-connectedness of the body systems, additional
groups of drugs that may be administered to patients with respiratory
diseases include anti-infectives, CNS drugs, antiarrhythmic agents,
anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and diuretics.
In this course
you will be asked to complete a multiple choice final exam, and
several case studies involving clinical scenarios. Unless you complete
all of these, you cannot receive the full unit credit for this course.
The course includes
detailed discussions of aerosol therapy, nebulizers, humidifiers,
and a variety of medications used in the treatment of respiratory
disorders and diseases. Therapeutic procedures and medication functions
are also examined in this valuable continuing education unit. The
resources drawn upon and synthesized for the following material
can be found in the References sections.
|